The David Duncan House

Each time I look at my godchild Anne, I still see a baby. She is all grown up now and last weekend was her Holy Communion day. To celebrate the occasion, my friend Tere selected a restaurant that took me by surprise. I have never come across the name but I believe locals love them by the crowd that was already in the restaurant when we arrived. Last Sunday we went to the David Duncan House by Don Mills and York Mills.

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The restaurant was literally a old big house in the middle of a big lot. As you walk through the doors, a reception area with handsome wood panelling and tasteful furniture would greet you. I love the fact that the place had high ceilings and ornately decorated windows. Classical was the theme as we were led to our table.

My pleasure increased significantly when I saw that the table we were to occupy was a long harvest table surrounded with upholstered dining chairs in an area made private by a half wall separating the rest of the room from our table. We were dining family style. For a party of 10, it was a luxury to be in such a space. I haven’t even tasted the food and I was content.

The service went hand-in-hand with the elegant space, courteous and detailed. After taking note of our selections, we started with generous serving of bread and carrot-coriander soup for starters. The soup definitely hit a spot that was starving for food. For the mains. we went for the Junior New York Strip, Duckling in Grand Marnier sauce, Chicken Neptune, Pasta Alfredo and of course, Chicken fingers for the discerning youngest member of our table, Andi. I really appreciated the fact that they have that option.

As my plate of crispy skinned duck was placed before me, the aroma got me so hungry. The skin made that satisfying crunch and the sweet tartness hint of orange completed the whole package. I was savouring each bite, I forgot to steal a bite from my sister’s Junior New York Strip.

To complete the whole meal, we ended it with desserts of cherry cheesecake, Oreo cheesecake and scoops of vanilla and chocolate ice cream. That paired with really smooth coffee ends our perfect family time.